(VIDEO) Mirra Andreeva left in tears after Kasatkina Ningbo Open final loss

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**Mirra Andreeva Falls Short in Ningbo Final, But Her Bond with Daria Kasatkina Shines Through**

Seventeen-year-old rising star Mirra Andreeva came agonizingly close to capturing her first WTA 500 title at the Ningbo Open, but ultimately fell to close friend and fellow Russian Daria Kasatkina in a hard-fought final. The intense match, which lasted nearly two hours, saw Kasatkina, the No. 5 seed, prevail in a gripping 6-0, 4-6, 6-4 battle that tested both players’ endurance and resilience. While it was a day of triumph for Kasatkina, who captured her second title of the year, it was also a day of mixed emotions for Andreeva, whose remarkable rise in the tennis world continues despite the loss.

### A Final Filled with Drama and Emotion

The Ningbo Open final was the first official meeting between the two players, but it was far from an ordinary encounter. Kasatkina, who had been navigating a challenging tournament, stormed through the first set, bageling Andreeva 6-0 in a display of incredible focus and precision. The more experienced Kasatkina dominated the early stages, showcasing the consistency and tactical play that have become her trademarks.

However, Andreeva, who has rapidly climbed to a career-high ranking of World No. 19 at just 17, refused to go down without a fight. In the second set, she demonstrated the tenacity and grit that has made her one of the most promising young players on the WTA Tour. The teenager broke Kasatkina’s serve and managed to edge out a 6-4 victory, leveling the match and setting the stage for a tense decider.

The third set was nothing short of dramatic. Kasatkina quickly found herself trailing 0-3, with Andreeva seemingly in control and on the verge of a major breakthrough. But Kasatkina, known for her mental fortitude, mounted an impressive comeback, fighting back to take the lead and ultimately clinching the match 6-4 in the final set. The two-hour battle was a testament to the mental and physical demands of professional tennis, and both players pushed each other to their limits.

“It’s been a very, very tough week, honestly,” Kasatkina said in her post-match interview. “All the matches were super tough. In the quarterfinal I came back from two match points down, and today from 3-0, almost 4-0 down in the third set. So this trophy means a lot because I worked on many challenges during this week, and I’m really proud of myself.”

### Andreeva’s Remarkable Rise Continues

Despite the disappointment of not winning her first WTA 500 title, Andreeva’s performance in Ningbo was yet another chapter in her remarkable rise over the past 18 months. The young Russian has rapidly emerged as one of the brightest talents on the tour, and her run to the final further solidified her status as a player to watch. At just 17, Andreeva has already made significant strides in her career, breaking into the top 20 and consistently challenging more experienced players.

Kasatkina, who has followed Andreeva’s career closely and even features her on her popular YouTube channel *What the Vlog*, praised her opponent’s tenacity after the match. “In the first set, I gave everything, I was super focused, and the level was so high,” Kasatkina said. “But obviously after that, I dropped a little bit, and Mirra was already there, ready to take it over. She’s this kind of player who never gives up, and to win any point, you have to almost die on court. It was the case, and honestly, I feel like it’s a miracle, the third set.”

Andreeva, while clearly disappointed, showed immense poise after the match, accepting defeat with grace. However, she couldn’t hide her emotions, and Kasatkina, who has developed a close friendship with the teenager, was seen embracing a tearful Andreeva after the match. The emotional moment highlighted the deep bond the two players share, a connection that has been evident off the court as well.

### A Friendship That Transcends Competition

For fans of Kasatkina’s YouTube channel, *What the Vlog*, the friendship between her and Andreeva is no secret. The two have often appeared together in videos, offering fans a glimpse into their lives outside of tennis. Kasatkina’s girlfriend, who is also a frequent presence in the vlogs, was seen on court after the match, sharing in the heartwarming post-match embrace between the two players.

This display of camaraderie is a reminder that while tennis is an individual sport, the friendships formed on tour can provide crucial emotional support, especially for young players like Andreeva. Although she lost the final, Andreeva’s relationship with Kasatkina remains strong, and fans can likely expect to see the two continue their playful interactions on *What the Vlog* in the coming weeks.

### Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Andreeva and Kasatkina?

While Kasatkina will savor her victory in Ningbo, both players are already looking ahead to the next challenges. Kasatkina has spoken about the consistency she has found this year, both on and off the court, and her victory in Ningbo is a testament to her hard work. “I think in terms of consistency, this year was [my] best one,” she said. “Mentally, outside of the court as well, so I’m pretty happy with myself, the way we’re doing our job, and how things are going. There’s nothing to complain about, for sure.”

As for Andreeva, the teenager will undoubtedly use this experience as motivation to continue improving. Her meteoric rise has been one of the most exciting storylines in women’s tennis, and while she fell just short in Ningbo, her future remains incredibly bright. With her talent, work ethic, and determination, it’s only a matter of time before she secures her first major title.

### Conclusion: A Match to Remember, and a Friendship to Cherish

The final of the Ningbo Open may not have ended the way Mirra Andreeva hoped, but it was a match that highlighted her tremendous potential and the strength of her bond with Daria Kasatkina. As both players continue their journeys on the WTA Tour, fans will be eager to see how their rivalry—and their friendship—develops. For now, Andreeva can take comfort in knowing that while she may not have won the title, she has won the hearts of tennis fans around the world.

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